[JURIST] The US will phase in by 2008 tighter border controls requiring US citizens re-entering the country from Canada, Mexico, Panama and Bermuda to have passports, US officials announced Tuesday. Under the new rules made public by the State Department [official website], Canadians will also have to show passports to enter the US. Currently, US citizens returning from Canada only need a driver's license, while citizens returning from the other countries only need a government issued photo ID and proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the changes were made to increase security and were made after consultation with other governments. CTV News has coverage from Canada. AP has more.

3:15 PM ET – A State Department press release is now available. The Bureau of Consular Affairs has more on the new requirements.